Monsoon sues rival over 'copying'

Clothing retailer Monsoon has issued high court proceedings against rival chain Primark for allegedly copying its products, the company said today.

Monsoon said it had brought the action against Primark for infringing its design rights over six women's and children's items. Primark has removed the clothes from sale, but Monsoon claimed that the "continuing copying" was "clearly unacceptable".

Primark, a budget high street chain, agreed to pay Monsoon £23,000 last year after selling a girls' top and a dress that Monsoon said were copies of its products. Monsoon said it has repeatedly complained to Primark since then over further alleged design rights infringements.

The company's chief executive, Rose Foster, said Monsoon and its Accesorize brands both had a distinctive identity. "We take any infringement of our design and copyright very seriously," she added.

The company alleges its zigzag linen skirt, a curved panelled skirt, its tropical floral print swimwear, girls' corduroy trousers, children's striped scarf and poodle and heart socks have all been copied. It is seeking damages and an undertaking from Primark not to repeat its actions.

Primark is owned by Associated British Foods (ABF), and is thought to be a possible buyer for Littlewoods stores following the collapse of its Index catalogue brand over the weekend. A spokesman for the company declined to comment on the legal proceedings brought by Monsoon.

ABF shares had fallen by 10.5p to 769p in early morning trading, while Monsoon shares were unchanged at 301p.